If you’re someone who loves the warm, aromatic hug of cinnamon paired with the sweet, tart burst of apples, then this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine tender apple pie filling tucked inside irresistible cinnamon roll dough, baked until golden and topped with luscious frosting—this fusion brings together the best of both worlds in a way that’s surprisingly simple yet utterly comforting. Whether you’re making it for a casual afternoon treat or a special gathering, this dessert promises smiles with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe is a breeze because each one plays a starring role, adding that perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and moisture that makes this dish shine. From the ready-made convenience of refrigerated cinnamon rolls to the natural fruitiness of fresh apples, every element contributes to a mouthwatering texture and flavor.
- 1 can (21oz) apple pie filling: Provides a sweet and spiced base that’s classic and convenient.
- 1 package refrigerated cinnamon rolls with frosting: Acts as the soft, doughy crust infused with cinnamon goodness.
- 4 medium apples (peeled, cored, and chopped): Adds freshness and a slight tartness to cut through the sweetness.
- 1/3 cup sugar: Sweetens the apple mixture just right without overpowering.
- 3 tablespoons water: Helps create a smooth filling that blends all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden crust as it melts during baking.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Elevates the warm, spicy notes that pair perfectly with both apples and cinnamon rolls.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it doesn’t get watery when baked.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your assembly is complete. This temperature is just right for baking the cinnamon roll dough to golden perfection without drying out the delicious apple filling inside.
Step 2: Mix the Apple Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the freshly chopped apples with sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and water. Give it a good stir so every piece of apple is coated with that spicy-sweet magic. This mixture will become the luscious center of your mini pies, bringing fresh texture and flavor along with the canned apple pie filling.
Step 3: Roll Out the Cinnamon Rolls
Take each refrigerated cinnamon roll and gently roll it out into a flat circle using your hands or a rolling pin. This step turns those cute spirals into the perfect pocket to hold your mouthwatering apple concoction. Working carefully here ensures the dough is pliable and ready to fold without tearing.
Step 4: Assemble the Cinnamon Roll Apple Pies
Spoon a generous amount of the apple mixture onto the center of each cinnamon roll circle. Then fold the edges over the filling to create little pockets or parcels, pinching the seams to seal in all the juicy goodness. These neat parcels will hold your filling beautifully during baking and create a delightful surprise with every bite.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place your assembled apple pies in a greased baking dish, dot the tops with small bits of butter for that extra richness, and bake for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they’re ready when the dough turns beautifully golden brown and the aroma fills your kitchen. The butter browns lightly and enhances the cinnamon’s warmth, making these pies irresistible.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
After baking, drizzle the included frosting from the cinnamon rolls over the top for a glossy, sweet finish that melts into every crevice. If you want to get extra fancy, sprinkle a pinch of powdered sugar or a few chopped toasted pecans on top, adding a little crunch and a stunning contrast to the soft filling.
Side Dishes
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, which cools and complements the warm spices and tender apples. A hot cup of coffee or chai tea also makes for a perfect cozy companion, turning this treat into a complete, soul-satisfying experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these apple pies on individual dessert plates lined with a cinnamon stick or a slice of fresh apple for decoration. You can even cut them into halves to showcase the beautiful filling, which always sparks compliments. Presenting these with rustic wooden boards and fresh flowers makes any gathering feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe, which is totally understandable because they’re that good, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy a sweet snack anytime you like.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can freeze your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring these pies back to their freshly baked glory, warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes. This reheating method revives the dough’s softness and warms the filling evenly without making the crust soggy—a quick step to enjoy that delectable cinnamon-apple combination any time.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of refrigerated ones?
Absolutely! Using homemade dough can add an extra personal touch and allow you to control thickness and sweetness, but the refrigerated variety is a great shortcut that still delivers fantastic results.
Is it necessary to include both fresh apples and canned pie filling?
Using both creates a depth of texture and flavor—the canned filling brings familiar sweetness and spices, while fresh apples add a crisp, natural bite, making the filling more dynamic and satisfying.
Can I make these pies vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute butter with plant-based margarine and find dairy-free cinnamon rolls to accommodate dietary preferences. Just check ingredient labels to ensure they meet your needs.
How do I prevent the cinnamon roll dough from getting soggy?
Make sure to mix the filling well with cornstarch to thicken any excess juices, and don’t overfill each pie pocket. Baking at the right temperature also helps the dough set properly without becoming soggy.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins make wonderful additions that boost texture and add subtle nutty sweetness, personalizing the Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe to your taste.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe is like inviting cozy autumn vibes right into your kitchen, no matter the season. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly delicious—the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug from a dear friend. So go ahead, whip it up, share it, and savor the magic of cinnamon and apples dancing perfectly together in every bite.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie combines the sweet, spicy flavors of apples and cinnamon rolls in a unique, easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Featuring a homemade apple filling wrapped in cinnamon roll dough, it bakes to golden perfection and is topped with delicious frosting for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
- 1 package refrigerated cinnamon rolls with frosting
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the pies.
- Prepare Apple Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples with sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and water. Stir until well mixed to create the apple filling.
- Roll Cinnamon Rolls: Roll out each cinnamon roll dough into flat circles to serve as the base for the pies.
- Assemble Pies: Spoon the apple mixture onto the center of each cinnamon roll circle, then fold the edges over to enclose the filling and create pockets.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the assembled cinnamon roll apple pies in a greased baking dish. Dot the tops with butter for added richness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until the pies are golden brown all over.
- Add Frosting: Once baked and slightly cooled, drizzle or spread the frosting included with the cinnamon rolls on top of each pie for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can brush the tops with a little milk or egg wash before baking.
- Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans to the filling for added texture.
- Ensure the apples are chopped uniformly for even cooking.
- The store-bought apple pie filling can be reduced or omitted since fresh apples are used as well, depending on how sweet you prefer.
- Serve warm for best flavor and experience.
